Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan are accelerating their artificial intelligence initiatives across business, government, and education. Uzbekistan will launch a $100 million program to subsidize AI adoption for enterprises, while Kazakhstan is establishing a dedicated AI research university.
Uzbekistan's "AI Partner for 10,000 Enterprises" program will compensate businesses for 50% of their AI implementation costs, with at least $100 million allocated for the first phase. President Shavkat Mirziyoyev announced the initiative during an open dialogue with the country's business community in the Khorezm region.
Data presented by Mirziyoyev showed that 54% of businesses that adopted modern management practices and AI-based approaches recorded sharply higher demand for their products. Production costs fell at 25% of those companies, and 40% used higher revenues to increase workers' salaries by more than 10%.
Computing infrastructure and industry expansion
Uzbekistan has opened its first supercomputer cluster at the Center for Digital Government Project Management, with computing capacity expected to triple next year. Companies developing AI models for new products can use the supercomputer free of charge, and the state budget will cover their research and development expenses.
The government also plans an open platform offering ready-to-use AI software, letting businesses adopt digital solutions without building them from scratch. Experience gained in Uzbekistan's textile industry will extend to electrical engineering, construction materials, and food processing, with companies receiving 50% compensation for automated management system costs.
AI in public administration
Uzbekistan is applying AI to public administration through a new cooperation project with South Korea. The Ministry of Digital Technologies, South Korea's National Information Society Agency, and UZINFOCOM signed an agreement for a grant project to upgrade the citizen appeals system using AI.
The parties will develop AI-based solutions to analyze and manage appeals submitted to government agencies and prepare a feasibility study for pilot implementation. The initiative aims to help government institutions process citizen requests more efficiently, building on broader Uzbekistan-South Korea cooperation in digital government and AI. For public sector professionals tracking these developments, the AI for Government tag offers related resources.
Kazakhstan's AI research university
Kazakhstan is strengthening its AI research and education capabilities with Qazaq AI Research University, a specialized institution operating under the special status of an AI-Enabled University. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev instructed the initiative, according to Rostislav Konyashkin, First Vice Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development.
The university will operate under an AI+X model, integrating AI into curricula across professional fields. Students will study both AI technologies and their practical applications in specific areas of expertise. The university is establishing partnerships with specialized centers and universities in China, the UAE, and Finland, and plans an international AI learning platform to expand programs and attract international students.
Why this matters for government professionals
Both countries are moving beyond pilot projects toward systemic AI adoption in public administration. Uzbekistan's citizen appeals system upgrade and Kazakhstan's university-focused approach show different paths to the same goal: building institutional capacity for AI. Government professionals should watch how these programs handle procurement, data sharing, and education - the same challenges most public sector AI projects face. For those involved in policy development, the AI Learning Path for Policy Makers covers the core concepts needed to evaluate such initiatives.
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